U.S. Reps. Chris Collins, R-N.Y., and Mark Takano, D-Calif., have launched the Advanced Energy Storage Caucus in Congress. The two lawmakers created a similar Battery Energy Storage Caucus in 2015, and this latest endeavor builds on that effort with an expanded focus on growing the domestic energy storage industry.
The bipartisan caucus will aim to periodically brief and educate lawmakers regarding the benefits of storage to the U.S. electric system and investigate ways to accelerate job growth and investment in domestic storage industries. Members of the caucus will work together and with industry stakeholders toward innovative and effective policy solutions to remove impediments to greater use of storage.
Co-chairs Collins and Takano marked the launch of the new caucus during a press conference last week and were joined by industry leaders from the Energy Storage Association, AES Energy Storage, S&C Electric, Stem Inc. and National Grid.
“We need bipartisan solutions to help address our aging energy infrastructure,” said Collins. “Energy storage technology will grow our economy and make sure American businesses can compete around the globe.”
“Energy storage is transformative technology that can lead to a cleaner, safer, more reliable, and more affordable energy grid,” said Takano. “I am pleased to restart this bipartisan initiative to educate my colleagues about the potential of energy storage and explore opportunities for us to support this technology in the future. The security and sustainability of our energy infrastructure affects every community across America. I look forward to working with Democrats and Republicans to create a policy environment where the promise of this technology can be fully realized.”
Kiran Kumaraswamy, market development director at AES Energy Storage, said, “Electricity is fundamental to our overall economy, powering 40 percent of everything that we do on a day-to-day basis. We believe energy storage is the key for us to create a cleaner, more flexible and more resilient electric grid.”
“A robust U.S. energy storage industry will strengthen U.S. manufacturing and provide greater international competitiveness,” added Troy Miller, director of grid solutions at S&C Electric Co. “Our company employs more than 1,200 people in manufacturing jobs across the country. Continued support and investment in our industry will ensure the U.S. continues to lead the world in advanced energy.”
